Stinging Insects

What are stinging insects?

Stinging insects in Michigan have essential jobs within our ecosystem. Predatory species help control populations of nuisance insects, and stinging insects are responsible for pollinating the crops, trees, and plants that we need to survive.

The problem with stinging insects is the stinger they have extending from the end of their abdomen. The stinger is what makes these pests unwelcome on our properties. Having a stinging insect nest in your yard or home dramatically increases the chances of you, your kids, or your pets being stung as stinging insects try to protect themselves or the nesting site.

Stinging insects that live in our area and regularly find their way onto our properties include:

• Yellowjackets
• Paper wasps
• Bald-faced hornets
• Mud daubers
• Cicada killers
• Carpenter bees

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Stinging insects that are social and live together in large groups (yellowjackets, paper wasps, and bald-faced hornets) are typically quite aggressive. Solitary wasps like mud daubers, cicada killers, and carpenter bees tend to be much more docile and only sting when they feel they are being put in harm’s way.

It is important to understand that any species of stinging insect can deliver painful stings and have venom strong enough to trigger a serious reaction in those who are allergic. Care should always be taken around any species of stinging insect!

Carpenter bees pose their own unique dangers when they are on our properties. Their females create individual nests in pieces of wood, usually choosing older or untreated pieces of wood. Their presence and nesting habits can cause structural damage to things like fences, decks, shingles, wooden trim, and wooden furniture.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging insects are outdoor pests and live in the same places we do. Stinging insects can become a problem on any property but tend to be most problematic on properties near wooded areas, bodies of water, fields, meadows, and parks.

Most of our yards provide stinging insects with a place to feed or nest or both. Gardens, flower beds, trees, trashcans, and outdoor eating areas offer these pests both food and shelter.

Where will I find stinging insects?

Stinging insects in Lake Orion, MI build their nests in various places, with the primary requirement usually being a place that offers them protection from the elements and predators.

Some of their most popular nesting spots include the following:

• Ground holes that naturally occur in yards
• The abandoned nests of small animals
• The soil next to sidewalks and walkways
• Tree cavities and tree branches
• Shrubs and bushes
• Roof eaves, deck rails, doorways
• Attics and wall voids

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

At Wells Pest Control, we understand that home and business owners don’t want their indoor and outdoor spaces overrun by dangerous stinging insects. To get rid of stinging insects from your property, trust our professionals and our more than 18 years of pest control experience. We take pride in building close relationships with our customers and working together to ensure that your property’s unique pest control needs are met.

To learn more about protecting your property from stinging insects, reach out to Wells Pest Control today!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

The following prevention tips can help keep stinging insects out of your yard and away from your home:

• Keep tree branches cut back from your home.
• Prune shrubs and bushes to prevent them from overgrowing and concealing a stinging insect nest.
• Fill in ground holes you discover in your lawn.
• Make sure open windows and doors have intact screens.
• Place caps on chimneys and repair holes along the roofline.
• Use caulk to seal spaces in exterior walls and the foundation of your home.
• Leave a barrier between flower beds and your home’s exterior.
• Remove areas of standing water from your property.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.